Pymatuning State Park - Pennsylvania

Pymatuning State Park is massive. At 16,892 acres it comes in as the single largest state park in Pennsylvania. And of course a park this big wouldn't be complete without the states biggest lake, Pymatuning Reservoir. The park has been open for over 70 years in one form or another, and still sees some of the highest attendance numbers of any public park in the country. Myriad recreational opportunities are available to guests here, with boating, hiking, fishing, camping, and sporting events being just a few of the park's offerings. 

For summer guests who are looking for a chance to cool off, there are three different beaches on the Pymatuning Reservoir to hang out on. These beaches are open seasonally, and generally have safety personnel staffed throughout the summer months. Even though these areas are outdoors, all beaches in Pymatuning State Park are strictly non-smoking areas. If you're a guest with pets in tow, they can accompany you to the shoreline but aren't permitted to enter the water at any time. 

Guests of the park are reminded that these beaches are usually quite full, so make sure your canine is well behaved. If you're an avid hiker, Pymatuning State Park provides seven miles of regularly maintained trails on which you can hone your craft. These trails all offer something different, so it's wise to get a copy of the trail guide from either the park's central offices or the Pymatuning State Park website before setting out. 

Tamarack Trail is an excellent introduction, as its level, paved surfaces provide an excellent foundation from which guests can get a view of the entire park. If you're on the more athletic side, the park recommends the Log Cabin Trail which brings guests through a series of Jamestown log cabins and into a hilly, forested region full of wildlife and old growth oak trees. Dogs are allowed to accompany guests on all trails in Pymatuning State Park as long as they're leashed up, and guests take care of any messes their pets might drop.